30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 22
5 Things About You People Really Don't Expect
[Mike]
I have done so many random things, it’s not easy to remember them all. Especially since I quit the sauce. I have years of memories that look like this:
But I’ll do my best.
#1. I wrestled in a sumo suit.
Back in my first year of college, Trojan brand dong-bags and MTV sponsored some student event. It was a welcome week, or Greek week, or some shit-like-that. There were giveaways, (Jimmy-hats, Trojan merch, a razor, shave gel and a CD or something.)
There was also an American Gladiator’s style “knock each other off a column with a giant Q-tip” game, as well as a full wrestling ring complete with sumo-suits. (perhaps to promote Celebrity Death Match on MTV?) I wrestled some rando and can’t remember who won. That's funny; I thought there would be more Sumo-suits in my future, but alas. That was the first and last time.
#2. I (the car) was struck by lightning.
Years ago I was on my way to pick up Crystal from work on a stormy night with Tipsy the dog. There was scattered lighting, but I worried not for these things back then. I look over at the dog and her hair is standing up like the Van de Graaf generator (electric science-ball that makes your hair stick up) at the science museum.
Next thing blinding white flash, followed by a Ka-CHOW! White smoke, radio freaking out, dog freaking out, car still works. I keep going. The radio sounded like I tuned into another dimension but the car worked. In the end, it needed a new alternator (the old one was a molten lump.)
#3. I yaked in Paris.
Between a lot of travel, engagement nerves, walking around and drinkin’ at Disneyland Paris the day before, my tum was none too pleased. The hot Paris metro finally did it. As soon as we got to our station I found a restroom and had a yak. I was still pretty green when we got to the Eiffel tower, so I had an encore performance in the bathroom under the foot of the Effiel tower. Good thing I lightened the load too. Because the line for the elevator was three hours long. So; we walked up the stairs.
I only made it to the first level, but I had some water up there and felt better.
#4. I used to wear phony facial hair.
There is a movie make up company in Burbank near the studios. During halloween you can go there and get movie quality special FX make up. I have enjoyed that place for a long time. They have a wide selection of fake mustaches, beards and sideburns you glue on. Always jealous of whiskery friends in a band, this was a great solution without weeks of patience required. I was into buying different styles for a few years there.
For reasons yet unknown, I wore a few out and about a few times. Even out drinkin’. Wouldn’t you know, more than once my phony-baloney mustache plopped right off into my beer! Now, I have my own beard. Living’ the dream.
#5. I was on “A Hot Dog Program” on the Travel Channel.
It was one of the first times we went out to Las Vegas. It was in the early 2000’s. We were at the Slots of Fun Casino next to Circus Circus. (Is that still there?) I was incredibly stoked about the $1.00 Foot long hot dog and beer combo. I had read how to play craps from a book and I was also really excited to play that on the $1.00 table. I had noticed TV folk and cameras but didn’t think much of it. I was having a great time playing craps for the first time and racking up free drinks, but it was hot. Vegas hot, and the $1 tables were in front. I looked up because I noticed an Asian man in a Kashmir sweater on that 1000 degree day. I thought that was really weird (never found out his deal.)
More importantly, I noticed all the cameras around filming me and the table cheering and having fun. A few years later, I’m watching a show about places to get hot dogs around the country on the Travel Channel. They come to spots in Vegas, and then BOOM! There I am on the TV playing Craps! I was stunned because I never signed anything and it was a few years later. There I was though, in my bright orange Hawaiian shirt having a great time shooting craps while they interviewed people with their tube-steaks!
Well, thanks for reading random things you might not know about me.
-Mike Olguin
[Crystal]
#1 - I once did a rap to win an election.
That's right! In the 4th grade I ran for Vice President (usually a position held by sixth graders). My campaign consisted of making a ton of flyers, ribbons and posters and of course - preparing a major speech! So my mom encouraged me to do something more memorable, so she helped me write a rhyming rap. I performed my heart out under the inspiration of Paula Abdul and M.C. Hammer (this was circa 1991 after all.) I even had backup dancers! Most memorable line: "I'm Crystal G. for V.P.!" I lost to a "cool" 5th grade boy that year. But several years later at my 10 year high school reunion, thinking everyone had forgotten this silly performance from our youth, one guy came up to Mike and I and said - remember that rap you did in the 4th grade?! Crazy what people can remember. (I had practically blocked it out myself!) lol
#2 - We were part of the Opening Team at Disney's California Adventure!
Mike and I were hired at Disneyland in 2000 and were trained to be part of the big Opening Team for Disney's California Adventure (DCA) in 2001! We knew we were part of something big! A new park to compliment the world famous/legendary original theme park Disneyland.
We got a chance to be the first to tour the park, try our the food, ride the attractions and welcome new guests during the soft opening day and also on VIP celebrity day! We met Joey Lawerence, Brittney Spears, Rod Stewart, Pierce Brosnon, and even Urkel! Lol
#3 - I hate sports.
I was a dancer throughout high school and got out of P.E. each year by being enrolled in Drill Team (Auxiliaries), Dance and Show Choir. My dad never watched football at home and I wasn't really exposed to any particular sporting team or kind of sports whatsoever. Luckily, I met a like-minded art major in college (Mike) who also wasn't into stupid sports - SCORE! (Pardon the pun - ha.) So we've gone this whole time without having to watch a game (of any kind) on TV, like pretty much ever! The closest we've come is watching the Olympics together (cause go America!) And attending some Dodgers games (where we talk throughout and have fun doing the wave, watching the jumbotron and eating lots of fried foods.) We missed a home run, oh well!
I feel like I offend people when I tell them I don't like (or even understand) sports. And they always say - well what about your husband?! (As if I'm keeping this must-watch TV from him.) Uh, no - we both don't like sports. Deal with it! Lol
#4 - I'm "thrifty".
A nice way of saying I'm cheap. I shop at Ross, Big Lots, TJ Maxx, Dollar Tree and the local Mexican grocery store, cause it's really well priced! If I can save a buck or two on soda, I'll skip Pavilions and wait till CVS has a sale and I have an additional $5 coupon in hand! When the car has a problem, we diagnose it, buy parts and watch YouTube videos in order to learn how to fix it ourselves. If ARCO gas is cheaper, I'll struggle to get there on an empty tank to not pay 10 cents more per gallon. I usually order water at restaurants. I will (and like to) assemble my own IKEA furniture. I have a Brita filter and Keurig coffee maker so we don't waste money. The list of cheapness goes on and on... I guess I inherited it from my parents. Penny pincher! Lol
#5 - I've been hit by an 18 wheeler and survived!
In 2009 I merged onto the 210 freeway after yoga in La Cañada and a big rig changed lanes (without using his blinker) directly into me - not once, but 4 times! He nearly pushed me off the freeway into the Rose Bowl area's ravine, but my car's tires gripped the freeway and I hit the breaks to safely stop and exchange information.
I was so lucky! My beautiful red car, not so much.
Thanks for reading! More adventures in life are yet to come!
- Crystal Olguin
August 31, 2017
